March 2013 - Police Aviation News

Police Aviation News March 2013 6
UNITED STATES
ALEA: National Transportation Safety Board Chairman praised two organisations for their
response to NTSB safety recommendations
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association took action that exceeded the NTSBs recommendations
following the investigation into the August 2010 aircraft accident in Alaska. The
NTSB recommended that AOPA educate pilots about the benefits of notifying passengers
about the location and operation of survival and emergency communication equipment
aboard the craft.
In response, AOPA produced a video to educate pilots about briefing passengers on emergency
equipment such as basic VHF radio operation, the cockpit emergency locator transmitter
switch and the location of emergency gear. The video also included a sample passenger
safety briefing. AOPA also developed a printable checklist for use in the aircraft.
The NTSB Chairman also praised the action of the Airborne Law Enforcement Accreditation
Commission in implementing multiple NTSB recommendations as a result of its investigation
into the June 2009 crash of the A109E Power helicopter operated by the New Mexico
State Police. The NTSB recommended rest standards to prevent pilot fatigue, training in
encountering instrument meteorological conditions and encouraged the installation of flighttracking
equipment and 406-megahertz emergency locator transmitters on their aircraft.
The NTSB were impressed by the fact that the ALE Accreditation Commission implemented
all of the NTSB’s recommendations in just six months. [NTSB]
GEORGIA: The Georgia State
Patrol (GSP) Aviation Division
recently held grand opening ceremonies
for two newly acquired
hangars, one at the Augusta Regional
Bush Field Airport and the
other at the Lee Gilmer Memorial
Airport in Gainesville.
The new 10,000-square-foot Augusta
hangar will provide more
than 2,500 square feet for administrative
offices, a living, dining
and kitchen area, laundry facilities,
storage areas and sleeping
quarters for pilots and other GSP
personnel as needed. The remaining hangar space will accommodate several aircraft and
allow for future growth. The ramp area covers 12,000 square feet, enough space to park
numerous aircraft as needed. The city of Augusta put up $500,000 towards the project and
the state is paying for the rest.
The 5,600-square-foot Gainesville hangar includes a three-level structure, providing approximately
3,500 square feet for administrative offices, a living, dining and kitchen area,
laundry facility, storage area and sleeping quarters. The hangar will also provide adequate
space to house multiple aircraft and allow for future expansion.
The GSP was formed in 1974 .and has a number of facilities across the state. The Aviation
Unit operates Bell OH-58 and Bell 206B helicopters and a Bell 407 and Bell UH-1 Huey helicopter.
Fifteen months ago the operation opened another new hangar at the Reidsville Municipal
Airport, one of six hangars throughout the state to housing 14 helicopters. [GSP Aviation
Division]